Sam Zell Automatons, 1999-2006

Summary Information

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

Material is organized chronologically.

• Sam Zell Automatons, 1999-2006

Description

Summary

Collection of eight automatons. Samuel "Sam" Zell. Billionaire investor and chairman of Equity Group Investments, an investment firm focused on transportation, real-estate, energy, media and healthcare industries. Mr. Zell has 675 automatons made each year and gives them out as New Year's presents. The automatons are freestanding sculptural objects that represent a different topic each year. They are charged with an AC adaptor and then started by the push of a button. They begin by playing a new year's message from Sam Zell and then continue with a song parody, generally about the economy (although the 2004 automaton is about the election). The automatons move at the same time as they play the message and song.

• Sam Zell Automatons, 1999-2006

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Sam Zell Automatons; Box; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

2011.2012.M060: Source of acquisition--Gale, Barden. Method of acquisition--Purchase; Date of acquisition--11/15/2011.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Items processed Wes Alcenat 02/10/2012.

Finding aid written Wes Alcenat 02/10/2012.

Revision Description

2012-02-10 xml document instance created by Carrie Hintz

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

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Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical / Historical

Samuel "Sam" Zell. Billionaire investor and chairman of Equity Group Investments, an investment firm focused on transportation, real-estate, energy, media and healthcare industries.